So now were in June and I need to pull on my positive pants (If they fit because of this ever-growing tummy)

I need to embrace this pregnancy and start feeling as excited as people keep telling me it is!

So I’m devising a plan!

I’m not going to lie my mental health has gone down hill since finding out about these two new people. I’m worried about PND and the hard work that it was with the last set of twins.

This month I am going to try to tick off a list of things that will help me feel more positive.

June List

Finish playroom decorating ( I have enlisted the help of a decorator

Decorate and move the office

Decorate and furnish Nursery

Move kids toys into playroom

Declutter and purge kids toys – I am currently obsessed with Allie Casazza and want to try and live a more minimal life – I’m not going as far as one plate per person (so my friends won’t need to bring a plate with them) but I’d like to adopt some concepts into our life!

Carrying on with the Minimalist theme I want to redo my wardrobe – I know this is not really practical at over 6 months pregnant but I know some pieces that I will probably never wear again. and when the twins arrive and I lose the bump I will be able to top up my wardrobe with some key autumn pieces (Minimalist shopaholic!)

I will continue my search for the perfect but affordable vehicle for our expanding family. – We currently have a Vaxhaul Zafira which although is 7 seats, its 7 seats and not enough boot space to fit in a suitcase let alone a pushchair! I would really like a VW Caravelle but I want to pay cash and the price for a decent one is out of our cash price range!

Events in June

Friends Little One’s Christening – Both Hubby and I are God Parents

Mum’s 65th Birthday

Hubby’s Dad’s 70th Birthday

So looks like a busy month I also have numerous appointments in June with Diabetes checks, consultant appointments, midwife appointments and scans all already booked in!
I have also been slacking at swimming due to focusing all my time on the decorating and building work. I think it has had an impact on my mental health so I would like to go back to swimming at least twice a week. Even it’s only just to take the weight off my bump!

I’ve never really thought about my bedtime as being part of routine but I thought I would take a look and join in anyway!

Here goes…..

Describe your usual bedtime routine.

Lately, I have been going to bed at the same time as the kids. Daddy is often late home as he works all the way in London. Usually what happens is I make a cuppa for me and fill the kids water bottles head upstairs read in my bed with them then they go to their bed and I have a bath while watching YouTube or I grab a magazine and flick through that in my bed while I drink my decaf tea!

When hubby gets home We stick on something light Like not going out or Miranda Stick on a sleep timer and fall asleep!

What are your favourite pyjamas?

I love my Jammers that I bought just before Christmas they have pockets and are really comfy. I tend to wear them with a coordinating vest top or my But first coffee t.

What is your current bedtime reading?

I used to read books all the time but since having the twins I just can’t seem to get into them! I tend to pick up a magazine now at bed time!

What would I find on your bedside table?

I like to take my Vitamins at night so they are in my drawer , In November I was diagnosed with silent reflux so I have a bottle of Gaviscon and I have to take one 5ml spoon before laying down, a bottle of water to drink before I go to sleep and first thing after waking I have to hydrate in a morning or I can’t function! , my empty tea-cup, When I get to bed I remove my I watch, Pandora Bracelet & Glasses so they are also on my bedside.

What scent makes you sleepy?

Chamomile tea, I have a tea that’s blended to help promote sleep so now when I smell it, it makes me sleepy.

What is your usual bedtime and wakeup time?

I tend to go to bed around 7.30 / 8pm but sleep around 9.30 / 10pm. I hate these dark mornings but I try to wake up around 6.30 to give me a good half hour to have a cuppa before the kids wake up!

What are your top three bedtime products?

My Jammers, Sleepy time tea, and my jammers

What is your most common sleeping position?

I like to lay on my tummy with my left leg straight and my right leg bent up towards my tummy, my hands under my pillow!

Do you have anything you like to take to bed with you?

My cuppa!

What is your worst bedtime habit?

Like a lot of people, I think Its looking at my iPhone just before trying to sleep! Studies have shown that being on your phone increases dopamine, the same feel-good chemical that’s released from the brain when people take drugs or drink!

I really need to stop this addiction!

So that’s my bedtime, not really a routine but it is what it is! I think having looked at it wrote down like this I really need to shake my routine up a bit. there’s no wonder I don’t sleep very well!

Step 1: Thank the person who nominated you, and link back to their blog.Step 2: Display the Bedtime badge; which you can find at the top of this post. (save the picture)Step 3: Answer the ten questions included above.Step 5: Nominate between three and five fellow bloggers to take part, and set them the questions.

Resolutions and goals have been made and people all over are signing up to gym memberships they will only use once.

There are people throwing Ciggys in the bin only to fish them back out later when the kids are doing their heads in. The alcohol has been poured down the sink. All apart from that trifle sherry at the back of the cupboard that you know you’ll regret drinking later.

I this year am doing away with resolutions and sticking to my goals list.

Work goals

I would love to call my blogging & vlogging my work so one of my goals is to be more disciplined with my blog. Connect and contact more brands & companies for opportunities.

Volunteering

I volunteer at the theatre and I love it. I love the buzz of working back stage on a show night but as a mum of two small children and a wife to a geek who often works away it’s not really an option to make this my career. So whenever I have the opportunity I am going to continue volunteering at my local theatre.

Health

The past few years I have let my health slip. It’s hard to consentrate on yourself and look after two tiny humans at the same time. So this year I’m making it a priority. This is not just my physical health but most importantly for me my mental health.

Family

I would like to develop my relationships with my family not just as mother & child/ren but as a wife & stepmum and as a daughter to my mum.

Me

Ive mentioned my mental health above but I think al good portion of this can be lack of me time. I need to get better at giving my self breaks not just from being mum, wife but from social media & screens. I need to start giving myself time to craft or meditate.

Money
The past year we have lived pay packet to pay packet. Often worring if we had enough at the end of he month. This year I need to get better at budgeting and finding deals living a little more frugally.

Clutter free

I often blame the fact that we are a house where 5 year old twins live on all the clutter in the house. This year I need to get rid of some of the clutter. It’s not good for anyone’s mental health. It’s not good for the children who have some much stuff they don’t know what to play with.
So that’s my goals for the year. What are yours? Do you make resolutions?

Hit that follow button to see how I get on with all of these goals.

I will also be making videos on out some of my goals during January over on my YouTube channel. So head over there too and hit subscribe.

See you next time.

Nina x

“Any journey can be an adventure if your on it with the right people.”

Lincoln Christmas Market is one of the Biggest Christmas Markets in Europe. In just under two weeks I will be joining the 250,000 + visitors soaking up the festive feel.

But heading to a festive market especially with anxiety can be a daunting prospect!

Here are a few things to help me survive my day out!

Travel – How am I going to get there? Make sure your not already stressed from taking a wrong turn or because your running late for a train. If its a big Christmas Market be aware that some roads may be closed

Parking – Is there a park and ride? DO you have change for the meter?

Clothing – Make sure you have suitable clothing & footwear. There will be alot of walking and you will no doubt have lots of bags to carry.You dont want to get to hot!

Have your Christmas list with you! That way you know who your buying for and roughly what you want to get

Get a shopping list too – Are there some things you would like to purchase on the day? A snow globe, some christmas potpourri maybe?

Stick to your budget! – If you have a budget for the day dont go over it! Do you really need another candle holder?

Make stops throughout the day for food & Drink – Don’t just fill up on samples and Glühwein Make sure you hydrate with water or a cuppa!

This is the first year I’ve been to the market since I was a child and I’m really looking forward to it!

Have you been? What stalls can you recommend I visit?

Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube Channel As I will be Vlogging through December! So you will be able to see how I get on at the Market!

I have set up a pinterest board for my 12 weeks of christmas posts If you want to join in with this series why not join in with the weekly Link Up!

Today Is a list of Christmas themed days out that will get you in a festive mood.

Nene Valley Railway – Santa Special – We went to this a couple of years ago and have booked it again this year! Before you board the train you visit santa and get a gift. Once the train arrives its time to board. On the trip santa visits all the carriages and asks what the children want for Christmas. There are elves that give out sweets to all the children. There are drinks on board for the adults too!

Lincolnshire Festive Food & Gift Fair – I’ve just booked my tickets to this. It looks like a great day for the whole family. New this year is santas workshop which includes christmas story telling craft activities and a visit from santa. There is also stalls for mummy to look around. lots of food to sample as well as the Lincolnshire Kitchen where there will be demonstrations to give us inspiration for the festive period.

Santa, Elves and Sleigh Bells at Tropical Butterfly House From December 17th – Christmas eve there will be a magical sleigh ride through the woods as well as a nativity scene and crafts to do. Also throughout December they are hosting Festive Afternoon Tea’s – This has to be pre booked so I best get that done!

Lincoln Christmas Market – The first weekend of December is one of the biggest festive markets in the country. I think this will be a day out with the girls rather than with the family. It can get very busy and there is a lot of walking to do! So a day out while the kids are at school I think!

Stockeld Park The Christmas Adventure – We went here with my step son years ago. There is nordic skiing through the woods, with displays all around, A festive maze, An ice rink and a visit from the big man himself.

Sundown Adventureland Christmas Spectacular – This little theme park hosts an amazing christmas ride every year its such a magical ride for the kids and ends at Santa’s living room where you can tell him what you want on the big day and receive a gift. throughout the park are lots of rides suitable for little ones. There is also angry birds themed area.

I’m really looking forward to spending some quality days out with the kids since they started school full-time ive missed our weekly days out to different places.

Do you have a Festive days out post why not link it up below!

I have set up a pinterest board for my 12 weeks of christmas posts If you want to join in with this series why not join in with the weekly Link Up!

As like September I may upload more than what I’ve planned above depending on opportunities that arrive and inspiration that strikes. So keep an eye on social media channels and don’t forget to follow and like to keep up to date with posts!